PRESS RELEASE: The Welcome release of Alan Johnston

It is welcome news that BBC reporter Alan Johnston has been released by his kidnappers after spending 114 days in captivity.

Friends of Al-Aqsa and all other supporting individuals and organisations share the Johnston families overwhelming joy at his safe release.

Mr Johnston, told the BBC: “It’s just the most fantastic thing to be free. It was an appalling experience, being kidnapped, occasionally quite terrifying and I didn’t know when it was going to end.

“It became hard to imagine normal life. I dreamed several times of being free but always woke up in that room. It’s incredibly good to be out.”

Friends of al-Aqsa Chairman, Ismail Patel said, It is a relief to hear and see Alan free.

It has already been acknowledged by many, including Alan himself, that the Hamas government played a key role in securing his release. The steps they took should be acknowledged as the actions of a legitimate authority. Perhaps it is time to finally respect the Palestinian peoples democratic choice